Culinary Class Wars Restaurant Guide: 7 Spots from Netflix's Biggest Korean Cooking Show

Type: K-Show | Theme: Restaurant Guide | For: Foodies & Netflix Fans Visiting Seoul

Netflix's Culinary Class Wars (흑백요리사) became Korea's most-watched cooking competition in 2024. The premise: 80 unknown "black spoon" chefs compete against 20 celebrity "white spoon" chefs, with judges Baek Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae deciding their fates. The show turned small neighborhood restaurants into nationwide phenomena overnight.

For international visitors, this creates a rare opportunity. Unlike drama filming locations that offer scenery, these spots serve the actual dishes that won competitions. Here's where to taste what millions watched on screen.

Quick Guide at a Glance

Via Toledo Pasta Bar — 비아톨레도 파스타바

🏆 The Champion's Table

Napoli Matfia (권성준) won the entire competition. His chestnut tiramisu—crafted under pressure in the finale—earned unanimous praise from both judges. That dessert now has a cult following, and his restaurant has become Korea's hardest reservation.

The catch: he reduced seating to just 6 guests per day after the show aired. Quality control over profit. Reservations open on Catchtable and sell out within seconds.

Signature Dish: Chestnut Tiramisu, Italian tasting course
Price Range: ₩80,000-150,000 per person
Reservation: Catchtable app (opens monthly, sells out immediately)

📍 7-2, Wonhyo-ro 83-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
🕐 Reservation only, dinner service

Reality check: Getting a table requires luck and persistence. Set calendar reminders for reservation openings.

Edamame Namyeong — 에다마메

🥢 Japanese-Chinese Fusion Done Right

Chef "Gangwi" built a loyal following before the show. His appearance amplified existing demand rather than creating it from scratch. The space feels like a Tokyo izakaya transplanted to Seoul's Namyeong-dong.

Mapo tofu here differs from Sichuan versions—more umami depth, less aggressive heat. The mackerel fried rice arrives with a whole grilled fish perched on top, theatrical and practical. Portions suit sharing between two.

Signature Dish: Spicy Yuringi, Mackerel Fried Rice, Mapo Tofu
Price Range: ₩30,000-50,000 per person
Reservation: Naver Booking or walk-in (expect waits)

📍 11-40, Hangang-daero 76-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
🕐 17:00 - 24:00 (Closed Mondays)

Phono Buono — 포노부오노

🍝 Where Simple Pasta Becomes Art

"Hidden Genius" earned his nickname through one dish: aglio e olio. Olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, pasta water, timing. Nothing else. His version on the show sparked debates about whether simple food could compete against complex techniques.

The restaurant itself leans rustic Italian. Wood-fired Phono Bread with prosciutto and Tête de Moine cheese has become the table standard. The space fills quickly on weekends—Thursday dinners tend toward calmer.

Signature Dish: Aglio e Olio, Phono Bread with cured meats
Price Range: ₩40,000-70,000 per person
Reservation: Catchtable recommended

📍 8-7, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
🕐 17:30 - 23:00

Jeulgeoun Sulsang — 즐거운술상

🍲 50 Dishes, One Fixed Price

"Imo-kase" translates roughly to "auntie's omakase"—a playful term Chef Kim Mi-ryung coined. The format: ₩50,000 per person buys whatever she decides to cook that day. Expect 50+ small dishes over several hours.

Her competition dish replicated this home-cooking philosophy. Banchan arrives first, then proteins rotate through—braised pork belly, octopus, seasonal fish. The meal closes with bibimbap mixed tableside using leftover banchan and fresh rice.

Worth noting: the restaurant sits in Dobong-gu, northern Seoul. Not a convenient location for tourists staying in Gangnam or Myeongdong. The commute takes 45-60 minutes from central areas.

Signature Dish: Imo-kase course (50+ dishes)
Price Range: ₩50,000 fixed per person
Reservation: Phone only (Korean language helpful)

📍 341, Nohae-ro, Dobong-gu, Seoul
🕐 17:00 - 22:00 (Closed Sundays)

Yakitori Mook — 야키토리묵

🐔 Michelin-Recognized Chicken Skewers

The "Yakitori King" held Michelin Bib Gourmand status before appearing on the show. His competition footage was largely cut from broadcast, but YouTube released extended scenes showing his technique. Precision matters here—each skewer represents a different cut, cooked to its optimal doneness.

The omakase runs 15 courses at ₩45,000. Chicken liver pâté, grilled wings, thigh meat with varying seasonings. Alcohol purchase is mandatory (it's a drinking establishment by design). The basement space near Hongdae fits maybe 20 people across counter and table seating.

Signature Dish: Yakitori Omakase (15 courses)
Price Range: ₩45,000 + drinks (mandatory)
Reservation: Naver Booking

📍 165-1, Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 17:00 - 23:00

Tian Mimi — 티엔미미

🥟 Korea's First Female Chinese Cuisine Star

Chef Jeong Ji-sun's confidence on camera matched her credentials. She trained under master chefs and built her reputation in Gangnam's competitive Chinese restaurant scene years before the show.

The menu spans Cantonese and Sichuan influences. Dim sum during lunch service draws office crowds; dinner shifts toward larger sharing plates. Unlike some competitors who gained fame through the show, her restaurant already commanded waiting lists.

Signature Dish: Signature dim sum, Mapo tofu, Tangsuyuk
Price Range: ₩50,000-80,000 per person
Reservation: Catchtable or Naver Booking

📍 143, Saimdang-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
🕐 11:30 - 21:30

Gunmong — 군몽

🥩 Steak Meets Korean Flavors

"Meat Gangster" brought attitude and unusual combinations. Kimchi paella—fermented cabbage meeting Spanish rice technique—sounds like a gimmick but works. The Hannam-dong location attracts a younger crowd comfortable with experimental dining.

Tomahawk steaks dominate the menu, priced by weight. The space runs late by Seoul standards, making it viable for post-activity dinners. Expect a more casual atmosphere compared to the fine-dining entries on this list.

Signature Dish: Tomahawk Steak, Kimchi Paella
Price Range: ₩60,000-120,000 per person
Reservation: Walk-in possible, weekends busy

📍 15, Hannam-daero 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
🕐 17:00 - 01:00

Practical Tips

1) Reservation apps matter.
Catchtable and Naver Booking handle most restaurants. Both require Korean phone verification for accounts—consider asking your hotel concierge for assistance.

2) Timing has shifted.
The initial post-show rush has stabilized somewhat. Via Toledo remains nearly impossible, but other spots have manageable waits if you avoid weekend dinner peaks.

3) Language barriers exist.
Most menus include photos or English translations. Staff English varies widely. Translation apps help; pointing works.

4) Yongsan-gu clusters well.
Via Toledo, Edamame, and several other Culinary Class Wars restaurants sit within walking distance in the Namyeong/Yongsan area. Plan accordingly.

5) Budget strategically.
Yakitori Mook and Edamame deliver strong value under ₩50,000. Via Toledo and Gunmong run significantly higher.

📌 Quick Reference Card